The Future is Now at STEM X in 2017!

“In 2015, there were nearly 8.6 million STEM jobs, 45% were computer science occupations” – U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Computers and other digital technology are becoming more and more important in every aspect of our lives. Who better to take the reins of all of this technology than our youth who are growing up with it?

STEM X offers several programs covering a large variety of STEM topics but for those high school students who want to use computers to design our future, two STEM X program tracks stand out the most.

Digital Design is a returning program track from 2016 because it was incredibly popular! Participants visited High Point University and spent the day developing two Android apps. You can download one of them here to try it out: Flappy Eagle. Not only did Digital Design participants design apps, they also learned how to 3-D scan and print, 3-D modeling, learned how to program using the Raspberry Pi, and even learned how to build and program robots!

In 2017, Digital Design participants will get to experience 3-D scanning, 3-D printing, and app design but will also get to learn about several new STEM areas as well. Participants will visit a local high school to learn about 2-D design for photography, web design, and how to use a CNC (computer numerical control) machine. Participants will also dive deeper into game design as they learn about virtual reality, game character development, and 2-D game design. Digital Design will visit High Point University, Ragsdale High School, and the Greensboro Forge, a local makerspace where they will learn about laser engraving, 3-D printing, and materials fabrication.

New for 2017, the Hacking Reality program track will take participants on an adventure to explore how everything is connected and interrelated. Participants will learn how to hack using the Raspberry Pi program and how to use an artificial intelligence engine. They will explore the possibilities of machine learning using neural networks…how to train a computer as you might train a dog. They will ask the question: can a computer make you think it is a human? Participants will spend a day learning how to program robots and another day learning about autonomous vehicles and human-computer interfaces.

Still following me? Everything above probably sounds like something out of a high tech lab but no…this is STEM X! You think this sounds exciting? These are just two of the ten program tracks offered this summer! It’s an awesome experience for young men and women who are rising 9th graders or older. STEM X takes place July 30 through August 4 and registration is going on right now. To find out more about STEM X, visit www.bsastemx.org. Participation is open to any high school-aged youth and is not limited to residents of North Carolina.

If you have questions, don’t hesitate to email colin@bsastemx.org. We look forward to seeing you at STEM X!